Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said he travelled to Italy to pray for an end to insecurity, banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.

Akpabio made the disclosure during a visit to the shrine of St Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where he said he and members of his delegation offered prayers for Nigeria, their families and the country’s leaders.

Speaking to St Padre Pio TV/Radio, Akpabio described Nigeria as a country “currently being ravaged by banditry and terrorism”.

“We are all from Nigeria. We came to offer prayers and get blessings from God for ourselves, families and our dear country,” he said.

The Senate President also prayed for peaceful elections in Nigeria in 2027, alongside prayers for the country and its leaders.

Akpabio described the shrine as holy ground and said the visit was a short pilgrimage.

He said the visit was his 10th to the shrine, adding that his devotion to Padre Pio was connected to his wife’s recovery after she spent several months in a coma.

Akpabio recalled that his wife, Unoma, regained consciousness after a prolonged period in a coma, which he attributed to divine intervention following prayers through the intercession of Padre Pio.

He also cited a biblical passage on divine protection, saying, “except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

The Senate President said the delegation returned from the shrine after offering prayers and seeking blessings for themselves and Nigeria.